India de facto voice of Global South: Amitabh Kant

Weare dedicated to ensuring that our G-20 presidency aligns with inclusivity as emphasised by PM Modi, says India’s G20 Sherpa

- CHANDRANI BANERJEE

Featured as one of the most powerful people in India under the category of "The Super crats - India's Top Bureaucrats" in a media ranking in 2019, Amitabh Kant currently is India’s ‘Sherpa’ for the G20 Summit.

Under India’s G20 Presidency, this former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant took a plethora of initiatives starting from forming of ministerial and Engagement Group meetings to Sherpa sessions and encapsulated thoughtprovoking events.

As head of Team G20, he created many concepts like for intellectual brainstorming ‘Think 20’, for enlightening discourses - Health20 for Pharma20 and innovative gatherings startup 20 events.

Mr. Kant talked to The Statesman’s Chandrani Banerjee about various aspects of the G20 and India’s Presidency.

Q: What according to you are the major takeaways for India from the G20 summit?

A: The G20 summit has been a platform for India to advance several key priorities. Major takeaways include our advocacy for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member, highlighting our commitment to representing the Global South. Additionally, we've made significant strides in shaping the future of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and reached consensus on principles for its development. Climate finance discussions and commitments to clean energy have advanced our sustainable development goals. The summit has also provided a forum for discussing emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and AI. Overall, it has showcased India's leadership in promoting inclusive growth and global cooperation.